Eco-Friendly Safari Tents A New Drawcard For Lamington National Park Visitors

Victor P Taffa

New environmentally sustainable safari tents in the world heritage-listed Lamington National Park will be a major drawcard for visitors to the Gold Coast hinterland looking for a unique experience.

Minister for National Parks Dr. Steven Miles announced at the DestinationQ tourism forum in Mackay today (Tuesday) that the Palaszczuk Government had given the go-ahead for O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to revitalise the Green Mountains campground.

“15 safari tents will be constructed from mid-next year to complement existing and new tent and RV sites, opening up new opportunities for families to experience nature. The revamp of the Green Mountains campground will also include 20 powered camp sites for those who prefer to pitch a tent or use a campervan.”

“Visitors will be able to take advantage of an improved undercover common area, equipped with a kitchen, share tables and communal fire pit. New bathrooms will also be installed and an existing shower block turned into a community hall ideal for schools, community groups and rangers to use for research and education.”

“These new ecotourism facilities will have environmental, social and financial benefits, and is a good example of government working with the private sector to improve ecotourism.”

“This project will not only offset existing costs of management for the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service but will also contribute to conservation and management of the national park through direct financial contribution and other initiatives supporting conservation of wildlife in this particular area.”

“O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is one of Queensland’s most established and iconic ecotourism destinations surrounded by Lamington National Park and I am confident the improved eco-friendly camping hub at Green Mountains will be a big hit and appeal to a range of budgets.” Dr. Miles said.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to developing new experiences for visitors to Queensland.

“We welcomed a record number of international and domestic visitors to Queensland in the last year.” Ms. Jones said.

“We know we need to develop new and innovative products and services to draw new visitors and keep our existing visitors coming back. Experiences like O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat are an important drawcard as we grow our tourism industry across the state.”

Shane O’Reilly from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat said the new accommodation reflects a contemporary approach to camping.

“We live in an amazing part of the world and I would encourage more people to experience the outdoors.”

“Safari tents are a great option for families wanting to try camping but without the hassle and expense of purchasing all the necessary equipment.”

“The semi-permanent tents will include a double bed and bunks and we will be using eco-smart materials to help cope with the humidity and rainfall.” Mr. O’Reilly said.

“Flushing toilets at the campground will use recycled water from next year, lighting will be energy efficient and storm water drainage will be improved as part of the park upgrade.”

“We want to welcome more visitors to Lamington National Park and inspire them to be advocates for national parks through experiencing this magical area for themselves.” Mr. O’Reilly said.

QLD Minister for National Parks Steven Miles

Lamington National Park Naming And Lamingtons

Lamington National Park was named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 9 April 1896 to 19 December 1901.

A Lamington is an Australian cake, made from squares of sponge cake coated in an outer layer of chocolate (or sometimes raspberry) sauce and rolled in desiccated coconut.

The thin mixture is absorbed into the outside of the sponge cake and left to set, giving the cake a distinctive texture. A common variation has a layer of cream or strawberry jam between two lamington halves.

Maurice French, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Southern Queensland, who has examined the question in depth, believes that it is certain that lamingtons were named after either Lord Lamington, who served as Governor of Queensland from 9 April 1896 to 19 December 1901, or his wife, Lady Lamington.

Most sources incline to the former option. The earliest known reference to the naming of the Lamington from June 1927, links the cake to Lord Lamington.

A year 1900 recipe for Lamington Cakes has been found in the Queensland Country Life newspaper.